The state Board of Regents has approved the unprecedented merger of eight colleges to reduce costs, shrinking the university system from 35 to 31 institutions for the first time ever.

The plan approved Tuesday will consolidate Waycross College with South Georgia College in Douglas; Augusta State College with the Georgia Health Sciences University; Middle Georgia College with Macon State College; and Gainesville State College with North Georgia College & State University.

University system Chancellor Hank Huckaby announced the move last week after visiting each campus to talk with administrators face-to-face.

The university system began a study this fall to determine whether 35-campus system should shrink the number of institutions it runs to help cut administrative costs. Officials said it could be another year before any changes are made.